PM Modi Transfers Over ₹20,500 Crore to Farmers Under 20th Installment of PM-KISAN Scheme

Varanasi, Aug 25 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday digitally transferred over ₹20,500 crore to the bank accounts of more than 9.71 crore farmers across the country under the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

Out of this, ₹184.25 crore was transferred to 8,28,787 beneficiary farmer families in Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually participated in the event from Garhi Cantt, Dehradun. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been consistently working to double farmers’ income and uplift their living standards. With the release of the 20th installment, farmers in Uttarakhand have received over ₹3,300 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme so far.

CM Dhami highlighted that after 2014, historic steps have been taken under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for the welfare of farmers. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for key crops has been increased to ensure farmers receive fair value for their produce. Through the ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, farmers are also provided protection against losses caused by natural disasters, pests, and diseases.

The Chief Minister also mentioned the ‘Soil Health Card’ scheme, under which scientific testing of soil is conducted to inform farmers about nutrient deficiencies and the required fertilizers. This initiative is helping improve both the quality of crops and soil fertility.

Under PM Modi’s guidance, the Uttarakhand government is relentlessly working towards the upliftment and prosperity of farmers in the state. Farmers are being provided interest-free loans up to ₹3 lakh. Additionally, an 80% subsidy is being given through the Farm Machinery Bank Scheme for purchasing agricultural equipment. Irrigation through canals has been made completely free for farmers.

To boost farmers’ income, a provision of ₹200 crore has been made for the construction of polyhouses. The state government is also providing a bonus of ₹20 per quintal on wheat procurement and has increased the sugarcane price by ₹20 per quintal.

CM Dhami also mentioned that the state government has implemented several significant schemes like the New Apple Policy, Kiwi Policy, State Millet Mission, and Dragon Fruit Policy with a total investment of ₹1,200 crore. Under these policies, up to 80% subsidy is being provided to encourage horticulture among farmers.

He proudly shared that Uttarakhand ranked first in the country for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by NITI Aayog. The state has also emerged as a leader in providing employment to youth, reducing the unemployment rate by 4.4% in a single year.

Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). After enforcing a stringent anti-cheating law, approximately 24,000 youths have been given government jobs. The state has also implemented strict anti-conversion and anti-riot laws. In a firm crackdown on land jihad, over 6,500 acres of government land have been reclaimed. The state has also launched ‘Operation Kalnemi’ to take strict action against fraudsters and conmen.

Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi informed that Uttarakhand was awarded “Best State in the Millet Sector” at the International Nutri-Cereal Convention held in Hyderabad for the year 2023-24. The state has also received national honors from the Government of India for its outstanding work in soil health, soil fertility management, and organic farming.

He further added that farmer Harsh Singh Dangwal from Sunkiya village in Nainital received the “Organic India Award,” while Uttarkashi secured the second position under the “One District-One Product” scheme for Red Rice. Additionally, Haridwar and Tehri districts achieved first and second positions respectively under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.

The event was attended by MLAs Savita Kapoor and Brij Bhushan Gairola, former MP Balraj Pasi, Secretary S.N. Pandey, Agriculture Director-General Ranveer Singh Chauhan, and farmers from across the state.

(Information and Public Relations Department)